SPORTS HEADLINES

The Decatur athletic director and head football coach opening is drawing lots of interest, according to superintendent Rod Townsend.

“We have 94 applicants right now,” Townsend said Tuesday morning. “We’re going to leave it open another week.

“Most are coordinators but there are some head coaches ranging from A to 5A. There’s quite a bit of interest.”

The job came open last week after Kyle Story was hired as the first head coach of Frisco’s Independence High School that will open next fall. Story spent 15 seasons in Decatur, starting in 1999. He finished his stay in Decatur with a record of 109-58.

The Decatur school board accepted Story’s resignation Feb. 12. Story will finish his duties with the district Feb. 28.

As of Tuesday, Townsend said none of Story’s assistants had tendered resignations.

“I know a couple are most likely gone,” he said. “But there are no resignations at this time.”

Townsend has circled the first week of April as the target to have Story’s successor in place.

“We have some top-notch guys interested,” he said. “We’ve got a chance to get a quality person and make a smooth transition to pick up where Coach Story left off.”

The school board has put together a committee to work with Townsend on the selection of the next head football coach and athletic director. The committee includes two community members that have children at various levels of the program – boys and girls. High School Principal Jason Cochran and Middle School Principal Dewayne Tamplen will also assist with the search.

The opening posted requires applicants to have five to seven years of experience and to at least served as a coordinator.

“Head coaching experience is preferred,” Townsend said.

After the job closes, Townsend said the committee will select a top eight for interviews. After those interviews, three more candidates will be selected for a second round of talks.

Townsend expects much of the current coaching staff to return, but he said the new hire will be given some flexibility to bring in coordinators and other assistants.

“We’re not going to let them clean house,” Townsend said. “We have some quality people we want to retain. But we are going to give the person the flexibility to implement their program. That’s why we want them in early to evaluate the staff and give them some flexibility.”

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